Tom in major artwork sale at age of 14

Emma Spencer

A budding teen artist from Sandsend will be displaying some of his own work in the culmination of a school project on Monday.

It will take place on Monday evening at the Woodlands Cafe where there will be over 30 pieces of art work on sale, including three on Tom’s own pieces, that have been donated specifically for the evening.

Overcoming his dyslexia, Tom has successfully arranged everything from designing the graphics for the brochure to deciding what order the paintings will be hung on the night as well as writing letters to local artists asking them to get involved.

Richard Pottas, Mike Shaw from the Sutcliffe Gallery and Robert Brindley are just some of the artists on board and Emma Stothard will be donating some of her sculptures too.

Tom said: “I came up with the idea, told my teachers and they helped me to organise it.

“I like art and a few years ago I went to the Joze Show in London and enjoyed that.

“She asked me if I wanted to exhibit some of my art there and that gave me the idea to put on my own for this.”

The year nine pupil has his own art studio at home and paints mainly in abstract.

He hopes to pursue a career in art when he leaves school.

He added: “I have enjoyed arranging it. It has been fun and I am looking forward to Monday.

“I am surprised by how generous people have been.

“The hardest bit has been tying it all up and doing my research on the charity.”

Proceeds will be donated to Tom’s chosen charity, Save The Children.

Parents Graham and Lizzie said: “It is great that he has got a channel and we are exceptionally proud of him.”

The event starts at 6pm and tickets are available from Fyling Hall School and Woodlands.